ORLANDO (Saturday, January 24, 1998) -- The United States wasnít
impressive in victory, but it was a win nonetheless. Facing a young, inexperienced
Sweden side with six Swedes representing their nation for the first time. The U.S.
relied on an early goal by Roy Wegerle, the wily veteran with the rejuvenated legs,
for a 1-0 decision in an international friendly before 12,773 at the Florida Citrus
Bowl this afternoon.

The match was the Americansí first of 1998 as preparation for this summerís World
Cup in France began in earnest. Sweden, which finished third in the 1994 World Cup,
did not qualify for France í98, thus was preparing for the future with a youth movement.

Wegerle scored the only goal, but it was a product of the effort of fellow frontrunner
Joe-Max Moore. Moore blocked Andreas Jacobssonís clearing attempt, then chased down the
loose ball, chipping a pass over the slide tackle of defender Johan Mjallby.

Wegerle ran down the ball at the center of the 18-yardline, carried left around
approaching goalkeeper Magnus Kihlstedt and slotted the ball into an open net beyond
the futile slide of Teddy Lucic with 91 seconds elapsed. It was the third goal in two
games for the 33-year-old Wegerle who found net twice against Canada in the Americans
World Cup qualifying clincher November 9.

Brad Friedel was steady with no need to be spectacular in goal until the 88th minute.
Jacobsson slipped behind the American defense, spun to avoid retreating midfielder
John Harkes and launched a 20-yarder that Friedel had to dive quickly to his right to
stop.

Notes: Defender Gregg Berhalter was impressive in his first start for the
U.S., teaming in the center with former University of North Carolina teammate Eddie
Pope.

Today's game was the first in two months for most of the U.S.ís starting lineup. The
Americansí last game was November 16 in a 4-2 qualifying triumph over El Salvador in
Foxborough, Mass. Only midfielders Ernie Stewart and Claudio Reyna have played a
top-level game since.